A Christmas dinner transformation

Contributions, totaling $3,624, from the Community Christmas Day Dinner are presented to (left to right) "Second Helpings" executive director, Peggy Warnke, and "Meals on Wheels" chairperson, Kit Grider, by the Dinner organizers Barb O'Connor, Lois Willig, and Wally Willig.Jim 'N Nick's general manager, Brandon Stewart, donated $240 to the Dinner fund from their "Dine Out" on Nov. 30.The Celebration at Aunt Chiladas was made possible by the generosity of the owner David Reilley and the general manager Brendan Reilley.

- Barb O&#039;Connor of Bluffton

Preparation for the 9th Annual Community Christmas Day Dinner at the Holiday Inn Oceanfront began in August with an article in Bluffton Today. But on Oct. 27, the Inn announced that they could not accommodate us due to renovations.

The organizers, Barb O’Connor, Lois and Wally Willig pitched that lemon toward a dozen large restaurants. The only one to grab it and transform it into lemonade was Aunt Chiladas Easy Street Cafe! We were warmly welcomed by the general manager, Brendan Reilley, who gave us the reins to his cozy eatery. The Willigs measured and planned every inch to make room for extra tables, two buffets and more seating.

The only space for volunteers to check in was at Chuck Jaffe’s office, next door in “Pedals Bicycles” where Lois had 340 name tags and job descriptions all organized for Patty Huckeby and her check-in volunteers. The Willigs transported all food and supplies. For three days, Wally supervised the food preparation with groups of volunteers. He needed two ovens to cook 95 turkeys, so “One Hot Mamas” and “The Smokehouse” opened their cookers to Wally and his crew until 4:30 a.m. Sunday. Doug Gurtzweiler at Okatie Food Lion gave us a good price on turkeys and veggies. Andrew Carmines, Hudson’s manager, also discounted his price on turkeys, gravy, potatoes. Chris Doboszynski directed the Buffet volunteers as Rick Ingersoll and Paul McGovern perfected their chef-skills.

Colorful balloons and dozens of cakes announced a Birthday Party! The procession of the carolers, cake and candle was presented four times with Barb’s neighborly welcome and thanks to volunteers and donators. The Christ-Candle of Hope glowed with a prayer that we may bring light and kindness to others. Then the “Baby Jesus Cake” candle was lit as everyone sang Happy Birthday!

Second Helpings donated a fantasy of desserts and the special Gingerbread Men made by Signe’s Bakery were a big hit.

Our attendance was much lower than we planned, so there were plenty of left-overs for Gerri Jones and Bill Hillborn to pack in their Second Helpings refrigerated truck for delivery on Dec. 26 and beyond! The 963 Party-Diners Free-will offerings totaled $3624 for Meals on Wheels and Second Helpings, plus $862 toward next year’s dinner.

Our first “Dine Out” was hosted on Nov. 30 by Brandon Stewart, general manager of Jim ‘N Nicks, Bluffton’s community-minded BBQ. Stephin Kobler’s “RSVP Linen” and Cathy Gaffga’s “Press for Success” donated their services for cloths and aprons. Among other donators were those who contributed $100 or more: St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Michael Vezeau, Darrell Brown, Betty Nemec, Southern Automotive, Bernie Schroeder, Jane Scarpa, H.H. Roofing, Inc., Gene Dolan, M.J. Smythe, Joseph Danules, Marshall Stone. With the money received from 42 other residents and visitors, all bills were paid! We are very grateful for everyone’s help and contributions and their determination to carry on this Island Tradition.

We feel especially blessed and thankful for a tiny Child who inspired us to do our best amid many difficulties. We gathered hundreds of strangers for a few hours of good cheer and good wishes along with good deeds for all those not present. They surely will be smiling and grateful for weeks to come for all that “goodness” and generosity. It’s all about the Spirit of Ecumenical Fellowship turning loneliness into laughter.

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